Physical Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreens
- Posted on: Jul 15 2018
When we know so much about sun damage, it still surprises us how many people don’t wear sunscreen on a daily basis. UV rays can cause premature aging like age spots and wrinkles, and even skin cancer. But, if we’re going to be honest, we understand when people say they have sunscreen, but just don’t wear it. Thick formulas that leave your face pale and ghostly? No thank you.
But, sun damage is also affecting how well the results of your favorite treatments can be, so keep reading to learn about your options for facial sun skincare.
Physical Sunscreens
Sometimes referred to as “Mineral Sunscreens,” physical sunscreens contain a physical filter to bounce the sun’s harmful UV rays off of your face. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two active ingredients in physical sunscreen, and they’re very good for people with sensitive skin. This is because they aren’t affected by the sun, so they remain the same product throughout the day.
Chemical Sunscreens
You have many more formulations and brands to choose from when it comes to chemical filters in sunscreen, though we recommend doing research first to find a formula that works for you. Some chemical filters have been linked to disruption of hormones, for example. Others have posed a risk to wildlife, and Hawaii has even banned the sale of certain sunscreen ingredients because they contribute to coral bleaching.
Certain chemical filters aren’t photostable, which means that they change when they are exposed to the sun. The last thing you want is a sunscreen that loses its effectiveness on a sunny day, but many sunscreens counteract that issue by incorporating more than one chemical filter to balance the protection and keep you safe from the sun. A formula that combines chemical filters and physical filters might be a good choice, to get the protection of both.
If you already have some damage from the sun, we can help. A laser treatment might be just the thing to reveal brighter skin. Give us a call today at (847) 291-6900 and we can schedule a consultation for you.
Posted in: Skin Care
